Cluster headache: Introduction

A cluster headache is a type of headache that is severe and recurring and generally occurs on one side of the head. Cluster headaches occur in "clusters" of episodes that recur over days or weeks. Cluster headaches can be severe enough to disrupt everyday life, such as work, school, relationships, and social activities. Additional symptoms of cluster headaches can affect the eye and nose as well. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of cluster headache.

Cluster headaches are often, but not always, triggered by one or more specific substances or situations. These can vary from person to person. Common triggers include alcohol, stress, smoking, hormonal changes, diseases of the hypothalamus, changing the normal sleep pattern, and certain medications, such as nitroglycerin. Cluster headaches are more common in men than in women.

Making a diagnosis of cluster headache includes performing a complete evaluation that includes a medical history, including symptoms, and physical examination. This includes a neurological examination. A neurological exam evaluates the brain and nerves and such functions as level of consciousness, reflexes, sensation, movement, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing.

Because cluster headaches may cause redness of the eye on the affected side, an eye examination is performed to rule-out such eye conditions as conjunctivitis. Other tests, such as CT scan of the brain, may be performed to help rule-out more serious neurological diseases and conditions with similar symptoms, such as stroke. In some cases, a referral to a neurologist, a specialist in treating neurological conditions, may be needed for definitive diagnosis and treatment of cluster headaches.

The diagnostic process also involves keeping a cluster headache log or diary to record the timing, symptoms, and the types of situations that occurred or substances that were ingested before the cluster headache occurred. This can help to diagnose triggers and assist in making lifestyle changes that can minimize cluster headaches. The type of treatment and its results are also recorded to help pinpoint the most effective treatment for an individual.

It is possible that a diagnosis of cluster headache can be missed or delayed because symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other conditions and diseases, such as migraine, stroke and sinusitis. For more information on diseases and conditions that can mimic cluster headache, refer to misdiagnosis of cluster headache.

Patient compliance with a good treatment plan can control symptoms of cluster headaches to a degree that allows a person to live a normal active life. Treatment plans include medications and avoiding substances and situations that can trigger a cluster headache. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of cluster headache. ...more »

Cluster headache: Headache that occurs periodically, with active periods interrupted by spontaneous remissions.
More detailed information about the symptoms,
causes, and treatments of Cluster headache is available below.

Cluster headache: Symptoms

Symptoms of a cluster headache include a severe and recurring headache that occurs on one side of the head and is often focused in and around the eye. Cluster headaches generally start suddenly and occur in "clusters" of episodes that recur over days or weeks. Each episode can last from 15 minutes to several hours. These episodes recur regularly for several days up to several weeks. The ...more symptoms »

Cluster headache: Treatments

The most effective treatment plan for cluster headache uses a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans are also individualized to best address the specific triggers, frequency, and severity of the cluster headache, the patient's age, medical history, and other factors.

Treatment of cluster headache begins with prevention. This includes diagnosing and ...more treatments »

Misdiagnosis and Cluster headache

Migraine an undiagnosed cause of headache: It is surprising that many migraine sufferers are not
initially diagnosed. Although the condition is fairly well known, there are also many other causes of headache,
and the diagnsosis of...read more »

Leg cramps at night a classic sign: The symptom of having leg muscle cramps,
particularly at night, is a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes....read more »

Mild traumatic brain injury often remains undiagnosed: Although the symptoms
of severe brain injury are hard to miss,
it is less clear for milder injuries, or even those causing a mild concussion...read more »

MTBI misdiagnosed as balance problem: When a person has symptoms
such as vertigo or dizziness, a diagnosis of brain injury may go overlooked.
This is particularly true of mild...read more »

Post-concussive brain injury often misdiagnosed: A study found that soldiers who had
suffered a concussive injury in battle often were misdiagnosed on their return....read more »

Children with migraine often misdiagnosed: A migraine often fails to be
correctly diagnosed in pediatric patients.
These patients are not the typical migraine...read more »

Definitions of Cluster headache:

A syndrome characterized by daily episodes of intense periorbital pain that recur over a period of 6-12 weeks that may be followed by a period of remission of months to years. The pain is non-throbbing, has a duration of 30-60 minutes and tends to occur at night or at regular intervals during the day. Unilateral rhinorrhea, conjunctival injection, lacrimation, facial flushing, and miosis frequently accompany the headaches, which primarily affect young adult males. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p181)
- (Source - Diseases Database)

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